Class of 2026: Peterborough and Stamford College Air and Defence ASI Students Graduate at RAF Cranwell

Last month, Air and Defence students from Inspire Education Group’s (IEG) Peterborough College and Stamford College, alongside peers from the Air & Space Institute (ASI), celebrated their graduation at the RAF Cranwell. The ceremony marked the culmination of their further education journeys and the official launch of their promising careers.

With a dedicated focus on military pathways, families, friends and industry partners watched as the aspiring aviators and defence students crossed the stage, celebrating their dedication, skill and ambition.

Rachel Nicholls, CEO and Principal of Inspire Education Group, said:

“Congratulations to all graduates from this year’s Air & Space Institute and Air & Defence College programmes. These achievements reflect the hard work, professionalism and ambition of our students, as well as the strength of the partnership between Inspire Education Group, Lincoln College Group and the RAF. Together, we are creating exceptional opportunities for young people to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the defence and aerospace sectors. We are immensely proud of our graduates and look forward to seeing the contribution they will make to these vital industries in the years ahead.”

During the ceremony, each college proudly recognised outstanding students who went above and beyond in their studies, celebrating excellence, peer support and personal drive.

At Peterborough College, individual honors were awarded to:

• Student of the Year: Tiago Ferreira
• Students’ Student Award: Luke Silley
• In Pursuit of Excellence Award: Alex Mann

At Stamford College, the standout achievers were:

• Student of the Year Award: Kai Nikos
• Students’ Student Award: Louis Rowcroft
• In Pursuit of Excellence Award & Overall IEG Air & Defence Excellence Award: Isaac Sheridan

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Following a series of student fitness tests throughout the year, one talented Air and Defence student scooped the Bailey Trophy after scores were totalled and ranked across all three participating colleges based on the overall mean time. The same Air and Defence student was also presented with the Best Student Pilot Award by industry partner Quiet Tiger Aviation.

From ASI Newark, Ellie Parker was recognised as Student of the Year, Grantas Murauskas received the In Pursuit of Excellence Award and Stanley Bradley was honoured with the Students’ Student Award.

The ceremony highlighted the crucial collaboration between education groups and the armed forces in shaping the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Group Captain Steve Harrison MSc MCGI RAFR said:

“Today, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2026, from the Air & Space Institute and Air & Defence Colleges of Peterborough and Stamford. These dedicated individuals have successfully completed their military studies and now stand ready to take the next steps in their careers. Through commitment, resilience and ambition, they have demonstrated the qualities needed to succeed in the evolving defence sector. We congratulate them on this significant milestone and wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their professional journey.”

Mark Locking, CEO and Principal of Lincoln College Group, added:

“Another year and another talented cohort ready to enter the aviation industry. We pride ourselves at Lincoln College Group on preparing students for their next steps by inspiring and empowering individuals to uncover their potential through countless valuable opportunities, especially through our partnership with the RAF, which helps create a culture of ambition and success.”

Inspire Education Group extends a massive congratulations to all Stamford College, Peterborough College and ASI students who graduated this year.